delta wave

noun

: a high amplitude electrical rhythm of the brain with a low frequency of less than four cycles per second that occurs especially in slow-wave sleep, is most prominent in infancy and early childhood, and may exhibit abnormal activity in various conditions (such as traumatic brain injury or dementia)

called also delta, delta rhythm

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of delta wave was in 1936

Dictionary Entries Near delta wave

Cite this Entry

“Delta wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delta%20wave. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

delta wave

noun
: a high amplitude electrical rhythm of the brain with a low frequency of less than four cycles per second that occurs especially in slow-wave sleep, is most prominent in infancy and early childhood, and may exhibit abnormal activity in various conditions (as traumatic brain injury or dementia)

called also delta, delta rhythm

More from Merriam-Webster on delta wave

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!